Mathematical models for the control of cystic echinococcosis

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus is a global public health problem. In many areas the disease is being diagnosed in increasing numbers, whilst in other areas it is re-emerging due to the collapse of public health programmes associated with socio-economic changes. Mathematical models of the transmission dynamics between animals can have an important role to play in developing control options. In particular the parasite is highly endemic in many lower income countries where resources to undertake an intensive control programme that has been successful in wealthy countries, such as New Zealand, are not available. Data from dogs and livestock have been collected and modelled from a number of different countries and regions. In Australia and New Zealand transmission modelling was first developed and these models have been refined using data from the Middle East and central Asia. The model indicates that relatively intense anthelmintic treatment of the dog population will result in a substantial decrease in the parasite population over time and has been supported by the results of control programmes. However, if the newly developed sheep vaccine is included in the control programme, then it should be possible to treat dogs less frequently to achieve the same result. This is due to the potentiating effects of attacking the parasite at two places in its life cycle. This should result in considerable cost savings over the use intensive anthelmintic treatment as the sole method of control.